Published on Aug 29, 2023 | 5:24 PM
Affecting every five out of six children before three years of age, ear infections are a common condition that usually causes considerable irritation and can temporarily affect the patient’s capacity to hear. (1) Less common in teens and adults, ear infections still make up a significant percentage of doctors' visits throughout the United States, with most cases being resolved within a short period of time. (2) The condition itself is characterized by discomfort in the ear canal, discharge from the infected ear, ear pressure, and sometimes a fever.
Ear infections, also known as otitis media, occur when there is inflammation and infection in the middle ear. The middle ear is the space behind the eardrum, and it contains the tiny bones responsible for transmitting sound vibrations to the inner ear. Additionally, it is connected to the Eustachian tube, also known as the auditory tube or pharyngotympanic tube, which is a narrow and usually closed tube that connects the middle ear to the back of the throat. Because it connects to the eardrum, it plays a crucial role in maintaining equal air pressure on both sides of the eardrum and draining any excess fluid or mucus from the ear. (3) When it comes to infections, each of these parts may play a role, with other factors including:
Ear infections are most commonly observed in infants and young children up to eight years old. This is due to the anatomy of their Eustachian tubes, which are shorter, more horizontal, and less developed compared to those of adults. While it is still possible to get ear infections after ages eight and above, the development of the body makes it harder for ear infections to occur as time goes on. (3)
The onset of ear infection symptoms can vary depending on the type of infection, the individual's immune response, and other factors. While in most cases, the infection will take hours to a few days, maximum, to be noticeable, there are some that can take time to develop. Here are some scenarios for both quick and gradual onset of ear infection symptoms:
Quick Onset:
Gradual Onset:
All in all, ear infection symptoms in adults versus children do not vary to any noticeable degree, making the condition easy to spot if you know what to look for. The most common ear infection signs anyone should monitor include:
Distinguishing between an earache and an ear infection involves considering the intensity and nature of the pain, alongside other accompanying symptoms. An earache often entails a range of discomfort, including dull or sharp sensations and pressure in the ear, possibly stemming from issues like sinus problems, dental concerns, or jaw discomfort. Conversely, an ear infection typically presents with more intense and throbbing pain, often accompanied by fever, drainage of fluid or pus, temporary hearing loss, and potential irritability, especially in children. Additionally, an earache may be an indication of a light or lesser ear infection.
For medical providers, an ear infection diagnosis is easy to perform, especially when the patient can communicate and a physical observation is possible. However, in many cases, a physical observation is not necessary when symptoms like ear drainage, pain, and external swelling are noticeable. (4) Due to it coming with a more unique set of signs, medical providers like those at CallonDoc can provide an accurate diagnosis when provided with a description of the ear infection symptoms in adults and children.
Distinguishing between bacterial and viral ear infections typically requires a healthcare professional's evaluation, as the ear infection symptoms alone might not definitively determine the cause. However, there are some general patterns that might help provide some insight:
Bacterial ear infections are usually caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, and Moraxella catarrhalis. Bacterial infections often have more severe symptoms and might include:
Viral ear infections, such as those caused by respiratory viruses, can lead to conditions like acute otitis media with viral upper respiratory infections. Viral ear infections might have milder symptoms:
In the case that it does not resolve itself after three days and continues to get worse, ear infection treatment includes a wealth of antibiotic treatments alongside steps you can take to ensure it gets better. For both middle ear infections and outer ear infections, the steps go as follows:
Middle Ear Infections (Otitis Media):
Outer Ear Infections (Otitis Externa or Swimmer's Ear):
It’s important to stress that most ear infections tend to resolve themselves within a week’s time, with those having minor or reduced symptoms generally getting the wait-and-see approach before ear infection treatment is attempted. In the event that symptoms progressively get worse and remain noticeable for more than a few days, antibiotics prescribed by a doctor would then be the next approach.
The type of ear infection antibiotics used in treatment partly depends on the infection itself, with key differentiators including whether it's in the ear canal or nearer to the surface, symptoms exhibited, and the severity it may be at. CallonDoc offers a number of effective options on our ear infection antibiotics list, including:
When it comes to a bacterial infection, it is important to use the ear infection antibiotics as directed. Cutting them off too early, even if you feel no symptoms and truly believe the bacteria is wiped from your system, there is a possibility that it is not. Stopping too early or regularly taking the medication outside of what is directed might cause the infection to get worse or become immune to that specific antibiotic.
The ear may need some time to fully recover even after the ear infection treatment proves successful. While the infection itself may have been addressed with ear infection antibiotics or other medications, the tissues within the ear, particularly the middle ear, can still be affected and inflamed. Some steps you can take toward recovery include:
While it's not always possible to prevent every ear infection, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of developing one, especially in cases of recurrent infections or when you're prone to ear infections:
Whether it's by treating related conditions or getting direct ear infection treatment, CallonDoc has a number of solutions for you and your family. We offer fast relief through same-day doctor’s appointments and prescription delivery, all through our specially designed process that can be entirely undertaken through your phone in the comfort of your own home!
English graduate and Call-On-Doc’s medical resource guide, Wayne C. Hahne is an experienced and passionate medical education content expert. Through diligent research, provider interviews and utilizing the industry's leading resources for wellness information, it is Mr. Hahne’s personal mission to educate the general public on medical conditions with in-depth and easy-to-understand written guides.
7 Reasons Why You Should Use Call-On-Doc for Online Pediatric Doctor Visits
In an era defined by the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, getting regular care for your child has become both difficult and expensive. Founded in 2017, Call-On-Doc has not only made a name for itself as one of the most preeminent telemedicine providers in the United States but also for offering affordable and effective online pediatric care.
Mar 03, 2021 | 5:28 PM
What Do I Have? Flu or COVID-19?
Not sure if you've got a cold, the flu or COVID-19? The symptoms are so closely related it's got many people questioning what they really have. To make things simple, here is a compiled list from our providers with guidance from the CDC to help you determine the similarities and differences between the flu and COVID-19.
Oct 11, 2021 | 2:58 PM
5 Reasons Why You Should Still Use Telemedicine After COVID-19
With the emergence of COVID-19 in 2020, more people utilize telemedicine than ever before. Once viewed just as an alternative to traditional doctor visits, telemedicine is quickly changing healthcare as we know it.
Unlike usual doctor’s visits, talking to a doctor online won't give you instant access to tests like mammograms or lab work. However, the service does offer unique benefits not always achievable through an in-person doctor's appointment. CallonDoc also offers traditional in-person care by offering lab tests, diagnostic imaging and at-home tests, allowing patients to have full coverage on their healthcare needs.
With the COVID-19 pandemic gradually passing its peak, many people assume telehealth may be a thing of the past, but they’re sorely mistaken. With the pandemic allowing people to fully exploit the power of the internet and technology, the popularity of virtual doctor’s appointments is set to keep increasing.
And if you’re still not convinced, here are five reasons why many still plan on using telemedicine after COVID-19.
Feb 15, 2022 | 5:58 PM
7 Reasons Why You Should Use Call-On-Doc for Online Pediatric Doctor Visits
In an era defined by the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, getting regular care for your child has become both difficult and expensive. Founded in 2017, Call-On-Doc has not only made a name for itself as one of the most preeminent telemedicine providers in the United States but also for offering affordable and effective online pediatric care.
Mar 03, 2021 | 5:28 PM
What Do I Have? Flu or COVID-19?
Not sure if you've got a cold, the flu or COVID-19? The symptoms are so closely related it's got many people questioning what they really have. To make things simple, here is a compiled list from our providers with guidance from the CDC to help you determine the similarities and differences between the flu and COVID-19.
Oct 11, 2021 | 2:58 PM
5 Reasons Why You Should Still Use Telemedicine After COVID-19
With the emergence of COVID-19 in 2020, more people utilize telemedicine than ever before. Once viewed just as an alternative to traditional doctor visits, telemedicine is quickly changing healthcare as we know it.
Unlike usual doctor’s visits, talking to a doctor online won't give you instant access to tests like mammograms or lab work. However, the service does offer unique benefits not always achievable through an in-person doctor's appointment. CallonDoc also offers traditional in-person care by offering lab tests, diagnostic imaging and at-home tests, allowing patients to have full coverage on their healthcare needs.
With the COVID-19 pandemic gradually passing its peak, many people assume telehealth may be a thing of the past, but they’re sorely mistaken. With the pandemic allowing people to fully exploit the power of the internet and technology, the popularity of virtual doctor’s appointments is set to keep increasing.
And if you’re still not convinced, here are five reasons why many still plan on using telemedicine after COVID-19.
Feb 15, 2022 | 5:58 PM
Feedback from our amazing patients!
"I can’t believe I did not know about this kind of service! This was absolutely perfect for my health concern and they were able to provide me with the necessary medication and with such cinch. Completely recommended this service. For minor health concerns, this can save you an unnecessary and costly trip to an urgent care center."
"Amazing!! Easy and fast! I didn’t have to take my 4 year old into an urgent care where only god knows what germs are there. The doctor sent the script right to my pharmacy within minutes!!!"
"I would give 10 stars if I could! CallonDoc is literally the reason I am recovering instead of suffering as I write this. I was skeptical at first, but I’m not kidding when I tell you I got prescribed my antibiotics and picked it up at the pharmacy within 2 hours. So instead of waiting & paying around 300$...I paid 40$!! I’m very pleased."
Want to learn about a specific topic or condition?